Part 5: Environment

Glove size – Gloves that are too small will constrict the area around the hands. This may decrease blood flow, and put pressure on the surrounding nerves. This can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome which is caused by compression of the median nerve. Gloves that are too big will cause the hand use greater forces to perform its work by requiring greater grip strength. Fatigue onset will be much quicker in this case.

Vibration – Vibrations are like quick mini-stresses being subjected on the body. There is usually little rest, and without breaks, fatigue is likely.

Cold – Cold temperatures will result a decrease in blood flow, and when working, bodies prefer a faster blood flow so that the muscles can exchange wastes for nutrients such as oxygen and sugars.

This ergo-tip is a part of an ergo-tip series about musculoskeletal injuries. Please visit the table of contents at http://www.ergo-motion.com/category/ergo-tips/ for other available posts. There will be one post released every Tuesday.